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Sony SmartWatch 2, the First Water-Resistant Smartwatch with NFC Connectivity

At a press-event this morning Sony Mobile Communications introduced the Sony SmartWatch 2 SW2, which Sony is calling “the most advanced smartwatch available” on the market today. The Sony SmartWatch 2 is a second screen for your Android smartphone that, as well as enhancing existing phone functionality, offers some amazing new benefits. The smartwatch will serves as a “multi-functional watch, notifier, Android app interface and phone remote control, all-in-one” according to Sony.

The new Smartwatch can be personalised with “more dedicated apps than any other smartwatch to seamlessly suit your needs, whether you are on the go, keeping active, in business meetings or simply at home”. Customers will be able to download a host of SmartWatch apps and “experience a range of unique functions – many of which can even be enjoyed without ever needing to reach for your phone” according to Sony. The company listed this functions when describing the Smartwatch:

Handle your calls by a simple touch of your wrist

Take a photo remotely from your SmartWatch, using a smart camera app

Control your presentations remotely using Presentation Pal

Taking a run or on the bike? Select a mapping app on SmartWatch to check your route with a quick glance at your wrist

Read previously downloaded e-mails when not connected to your phone

Use lifestyle apps like Runtastic to map and instantly track your fitness activities on the go

Quickly and easily adjust the tracks and volume on your music player, without ever taking your phone from your pocket

SmartWatch 2 is also both sleek and reassuringly robust thanks to its water and dust resistant design, giving you the freedom to enjoy it on the beach or simply on the go – come rain or shine.

An increasing market in wearable tech

As Sony explained, “A typical smartphone user reaches for their phone many times a day to read messages, check the time, view and make social media updates, use their favourite apps, take photos, listen to music and play mobile games. SmartWatch 2 addresses this need by offering you a convenient touch screen device so you no longer need to remove your phone from your pocket or bag”.

“Sony is the proud leader in the smartwatch market** since introducing our first Bluetooth watch in 2007,” says Stefan K Persson, Head of Companion Products at Sony Mobile Communications. “Competitors are only now launching first generation devices, while we are already launching a 3rd generation device with all the insight gained from over half a million customers combined with Sony’s wealth of technology expertise to create the best ever smartwatch experience.

“The future of wearable devices is incredibly bright with analyst research predicting 41 million ‘smart’ watches will be sold by 2016,” continues Persson. “We have over 200 unique apps dedicated for Sony SmartWatch with over one million downloads to date and we are continuing to work with our strong developer network to deliver ever more compelling smartwatch experiences.”

Sony also stated that ff you use Android, on either smartphone or tablet, then the “Sony SmartWatch 2 is your ideal smartwatch partner”. The company called the new device “easy and convenient to access notifications from your wrist such as messages, calls, email, Facebook/Twitter, Calendar, or use it as a remote for your Walkman or other digital media player”. This wireless accessory is ideal for pairing with large-screen devices, such as the newly announced Xperia™ Z Ultra, in situations which call for discrete usage.

SmartWatch 2 introduces new features as a natural successor to the current Sony SmartWatch such as NFC connectivity for one-touch pairing, stunning premium design and a range of technologies including higher resolution for sharper viewing, better visibility even in sunlight, longer battery stamina, more intuitive interface, standalone watch functionality and a wide range of pre-installed and recommended apps.

When not connected to your phone, SmartWatch 2 works as a standalone digital watch. Read previously received notifications, access the time, set your alarm or even use as a light when searching for your keys.

SmartWatch 2 can also be personalised with any standard 24mm wristband and new Sony watchstraps will soon be available for further expression of your personal style. Using a “groundbreaking design, Sony continues to introduce new technologies and has the largest range of NFC accessories available from wireless headsets to portable speakers, TVs, SmartTags and SmartWatch”.